Daily Herald opinion: Promises kept: Unique Wheaton band concert a powerful ode to friendship and the power of music

A lighthearted promise made 23 years ago between two friends was honored last month in Wheaton in a way that holds lessons for all of us.

The story of Arnald Gabriel and Bruce Moss is, on the surface, a tale of friendship. But as you read about them in The Washington Post story published in Wednesday’s Daily Herald, you see it is so much more.

Their story warmly reflects the passage of time, the healing power of music and the beauty of promises kept and commitments honored.

More than two decades ago, Moss — conductor of the Wheaton Municipal Band — jokingly told fellow conductor Gabriel, then nearing 80, that he would still be conducting music when he hit 100.

Gabriel — whose long and noted career included conducting the U.S. Air Force Band — replied, “I plan to.”

And he signed a contract with Moss to conduct in Wheaton in 2025.

When his 100th birthday came in May, Gabriel was unable to fly from his home in Virginia to Illinois. But both men were committed to honoring the contract.

Moss hired a film crew to record Gabriel conducting two songs from his Alexandria condo.

Then, on July 26, Gabriel — projected on a screen — conducted the 85 members of the Wheaton band through “America the Beautiful” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Gabriel, a World War II veteran, was in uniform, his jacket decorated with two Bronze Stars, a Combat Infantryman’s Badge and an Air Force Band patch.

He received a standing ovation.

“We are both keeping our promise,” Moss told those in attendance before wishing his friend a happy birthday.

It was a beautiful moment, capping years of friendship and a shared love of music.

The two men first crossed paths in 1971, when a teenage Moss skipped school to catch a concert conducted by Gabriel. Moss was inspired to pursue a career in music in part because of that day.

Gabriel himself pursued music years earlier on his own path to healing from the trauma of war, including the deaths of those who served with him in Germany.

In the years that followed, Gabriel’s career took him across the country and around the world. He retired in 1985, but accepted invitations from Moss to conduct in Wheaton from time to time.

The specific contract Gabriel signed for a 100th birthday concert was lost over the years. But the promise was not, thanks to Moss’ persistence and Gabriel’s passion for his life’s work.

“I was in my element,” Gabriel told the Washington Post. “To me, it was never a job. It was always a joy.”

At the concert, in a recorded message, Moss had a question for his friend: “Shall we just go ahead and send you a contract for your 105th birthday?” Gabriel agreed.

Happy belated birthday, Mr. Gabriel. We thank you and Bruce Ross for your music and your kindness.